Darjeeling is based in the lower Himalayas in the state of West Bengal. Apart from being a go-to honeymoon destination, it is also popular due to the adventurous and amazing things to do. But just like you, there are a lot of people who either get confused or are clueless when it comes to iterating all the things to do in the hill station. This beautiful place has a turbulent history and many people know it as the queen of hills.
See Also: Best time to visit Darjeeling | Places to visit in Darjeeling
Unsurprisingly, Darjeeling is among those places in India, where people go to celebrate their holidays, and vacations, mesmerized by the beauty, and enjoy the amazing things to do. Whatever be your reason to visit here, we have listed down a few amazing things to do that you should not miss out on while visiting the place.
Here we bring you the list of 15 top things to do in Darjeeling
1. Motorcycle tour
Exploring the hill station is one of the best things to do here. Be it with your partner, parents, alone, or with friends. You can enjoy riding a bike through the hill station. If you are not traveling here with your private conveyance, you can rent your motorbike and explore the surrounding tea gardens and Himalayan Villages. There are several astonishing landmarks and sightseeing spots to visit throughout the hill station.
It is an amusing place for everyone as Darjeeling is one of those destinations where you can enjoy your time completely. There are many renting stations in Darjeeling and some of them have an online presence too.
2. Explore Hilltop Buddhist Monasteries & Temples
Darjeeling has a dual face, where one flaunts the Buddhist culture the other gives a charismatic Hindu culture. Therefore when you visit Darjeeling next time, you can simply enjoy visiting monasteries and temples. One of the most popular Ghoom Monastery is a must-visit place for visitors. The architecture and artifacts housed in the monastery are amazing offering all the visitors a chance to peek inside the Tibetan Culture.
On the other hand, if you want to know about the popular temples, there is one that has a lot of importance amongst the locals and visitors both- The Mahakal Temple which is located in the Chauk Bazaar.
3. Having a look at the Tea estate
While being in the tea estate of Darjeeling, you can enjoy getting yourself clicked. Apart from that, you can also watch tea pickers during the harvest season while they wear authentic dresses and carry the tea basket on their forehead.
Isn’t all this so amazing even when listening? No kidding that the tea estate is also a happening spot at this hill station.
You can wear the tea picker’s dress and enjoy clicking the picture being one of them as your memory. There are some estates where you can buy the tea packets. Do not forget to taste the tea before leaving.
4. Visiting the Holy shrines across the town
While visiting here you have multiple worshipping places and you can explore the Hindu, Tibetan, as well as Christian shrines. Temples and monasteries are in good numbers here but you have many other shrines too. You can visit them to offer your prayers and get some amazing pictures because the location will be amazing. Don’t worry, Darjeeling has something for everyone.
If you are on a honeymoon to Darjeeling- you still have a lot of good things to do and visiting the holy shrines is one of them. Start your married life with some prayers and god’s grace.
5. Grab a snack at a street stall
There are many amazing restaurants and outlets in Darjeeling but nothing can beat the street stalls. You can find highly affordable and delectable popular snacks that include steamed, tandoori, or fried momos; aloo dum, and a savory dish of potatoes. All of this can be enjoyed in a few bucks at many different streetside eateries.
Also, if you are trying something new it is better if you that from a street stall because they have some of the best delicacies and flavors.
6. First, flush tea or tea tasting
Flush tea is the sample of made tea that is offered to the visitors. You can taste and buy various flavors of Darjeeling teas. You can visit the popular tea gardens and enjoy a stroll in the beauty.
There are several options available from black to green organic tea. And also, if you are a tea lover there is no better place than here. Darjeeling is known to produce the best quality and a huge range of tea flavors in the entire country. So, enjoy your tea flush and get a few packets for your friends too.
7. Taste Afternoon tea
In many ways apart from the building and farms and railway stations- there are multiple places where you will still see the “British-style” treatment given to the visitors. And one of them is afternoon tea. Even in many hotels, the tourists who stay in their room during lunch are offered afternoon tea which offers a great experience to the visitors of the British-style high tea. You can enjoy some fine brews with scones and sandwiches.
If you are already interested in this, head to the upscale heritage hotels and you will get this anywhere there. You can enjoy a variety of offering too!
8. Mountain walk
Hill stations are highly amusing and people love taking a walk through the mall road or anywhere in the valley. These walks in mountains are very romantic and apt for honeymooners. People who are traveling here with their partner- irrespective of being a honeymooner or simply a couple. This is one of the best things to do.
You can take a walk on the amazing and picturesque Tenzing Norgay Road past the beautiful tea gardens, temples, and monasteries. You can also explore the winding roads and car-free mountain roads. Away from pollution and any kind of hassle.
9. Go mountain biking on trails in Senchal
If you are an avid biker then Darjeeling has something for you too! Just buckle up your boots and jacket; take your biking trails and head to Senchal.
One of the best places to go biking for those who think they can conquer all roads. But while you traverse this route, hire a dirt bike because you would not be able to use any other bike here.
10. Tandem paragliding
One of the highest paragliding points and best amongst the options available in Darjeeling; Tandem is known to be the rightful place. It not only allows the visitors to enjoy the astonishing heights but even offers them a birds-eye view of the entire valley around Darjeeling.
Tandem is an active paragliding point at the hill station and you will find several people enjoying the sport here and so can you.
11. Enjoy the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
This is the toy train ride we are talking about here. True there are many amusing things to do in Darjeeling but one amongst them has been luring people to visit here over and over.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is one of the best ways to explore the entire hill station and it is also one of the best things to do here in Darjeeling. You can look out for the updated fare and tickets online.
12. Enjoy Nepali dishes
Darjeeling gets a lot of influence from Nepal and that can be seen strongly in the number of cuisines offered here. From tea stalls to local restaurants; there is so much on offer and many authentically prepared Nepali dishes are also on offer. If you are a food lover and open to options then this place can serve you right. And while having a fun time in the hill station; do not refrain from relishing these delightful cuisines. This is one of the best things to do in Darjeeling whenever you are here.
Momos | Sel Roti | Chhang |
Thukpa | Sikkimise Thali | Butter Tea |
Gundruk | Aloo Tama | Chhurpi |
13. Rock Climbing at multiple places
Another very interesting and popular activity to do in Darjeeling is Rock Climbing. It can be done at multiple places and the level of adventure offered at them is different. This activity is also known to be one of the most popular and adventurous activities. The hill station of Darjeeling is filled with rugged terrain and scenic landscapes making it a wonderful combination.
Places where you can enjoy this in Darjeeling |
|
Best time to do this activity | March to May & September to November |
Types of levels available | There are multiple levels available in Darjeeling |
Local Guidance | You can get this as well from the tour operators |
14. Witness the beauty of Darjeeling
Being one of the most important, popular, and amazing hill stations of India; Darjeeling has a lot to offer to all visitors. It has something for every kind of traveler. The beauty of this place speaks for itself as it is surrounded by the majestic Eastern Himalayas. There are other distant snow-capped mountains that offer a great view.
If you visit here during the monsoon or spring season, the natural beauty of the place remains at its best. You will surely enjoy the blooming flowers and greenery all around.
15. Try the Tongba Millet Beer
If you are open to different and new items, we would like to tell you that do try Tongba which is a millet beer offered in Darjeeling. It originated in Nepal and is highly popular in Sikkim. Over time the people who shifted from these places to Darjeeling introduced the same here. You will surely love to taste some of it during your trip to the hill station. It will also keep you warm if taken during winter. The locals share this drink with friends when sitting in a social or during parties.
Conclusion
When you talk about interesting and unique things to do in Darjeeling- there are many. Amusing yourself from a stroll in the garden or tea estate to making a Himalayan journey on a toy train, there are so many things that can be done here. Pick your, “best things to do in Darjeeling and enjoy your time.”
See Also: Best time to visit Darjeeling | Places to visit in Darjeeling